Satellite images show Russian ship allegedly delivering Iranian ballistic missiles for Ukraine war.

According to information published by Sky News on September 11, 2024, satellite images have revealed a Russian-flagged cargo ship believed to be delivering ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia, raising further concerns about escalating military cooperation between the two nations.
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Russian cargo ship Port Olya 3. (Picture source: shipphotos)

The vessel, named Port Olya 3, was captured by Maxar satellite imagery docked at a Russian port on 4 September. Ukrainian sources claim it had transported approximately 220 Fateh-360 short-range ballistic missiles via the Caspian Sea for use in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

According to ship tracking data, the vessel was last recorded at the Iranian port of Amirabad on 29 August, before arriving in Russia a few days later. Following its arrival, the cargo is thought to have been transferred onto a large train for transport to a military testing site. The Fateh-360 missiles reportedly have a range exceeding 70 miles and could soon be deployed by Russian forces on the battlefield.

The discovery of these missile shipments comes shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed that Russia had received Iranian-made ballistic missiles, a move described as a "dramatic escalation" in military aid. Washington and London responded with new sanctions, targeting vessels involved in the alleged transfer of weapons, including Port Olya 3.

Both Iran and Russia have denied the missile deliveries, but the increasing military ties between the two countries have prompted concerns in Western capitals. The ongoing supply of weaponry, including drones and ammunition, from Tehran to Moscow has already led to heightened sanctions, and the ballistic missile shipments mark a significant deepening of that relationship.

Comments

These missiles are part of Iran's tactical arsenal, known for their precision and mobility. They can be used for targeting infrastructure or military positions near the front lines, particularly in Ukraine. Russia may use these systems to supplement its existing missile arsenal, conserving its own higher-end stockpiles like the Iskander systems. The Fateh-360's ability to evade interception adds to its utility in battlefield scenarios.

This deal appears to be part of a broader military cooperation between Iran and Russia. There have been reports of Russian military personnel training in Iran to operate these systems.